Every student deserves to walk into school feeling safe, supported, and able to focus on learning. Yet too many students, parents, and educators are worried about violence in schools while students struggling with their mental health may not have enough access to trained counselors who can help.

We are calling for a comprehensive approach to school safety: increase the availability of appropriate security measures, including metal detectors where needed, while also expanding the number of guidance counselors and qualified mental health professionals available to students.

Security measures can address immediate physical safety concerns, but prevention must also include giving young people somewhere to turn when they are struggling. Students need trusted, trained adults who have the time and resources to recognize warning signs, provide support, and connect them with additional help when necessary.

We call on our school leaders to develop and fund a school safety plan that strengthens appropriate security measures and increases access to guidance counselors and mental health support.

Sign this petition if you believe protecting students means investing in both their physical safety and their mental well-being.